Corrections and Retractions Policy for International Medical Journal of Health (IMJH)
Medical Journal IMJ Health - Research Integrity
ISSN: 2395-6291 | Commitment to Research Accuracy | COPE Compliance
Research Integrity Commitment
IMJH is committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity. This policy outlines our procedures for correcting errors and retracting articles when necessary, in accordance with COPE guidelines.
View detailed correction procedures →Policy Navigation
1. Policy Principles & Scope
Core Principles
This policy is based on the principles of transparency, accountability, and scientific integrity. IMJH follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines for corrections and retractions.
Guiding Principles
- Transparency: Clear communication of corrections
- Accountability: Authors responsible for content accuracy
- Timeliness: Prompt action on identified issues
- Proportionality: Action appropriate to error severity
- Consistency: Uniform application of standards
- Preservation: Maintenance of scholarly record
Policy Scope
- All Published Content: Articles, supplements, letters
- All Formats: Print, online, digital versions
- All Platforms: Journal website, databases, archives
- All Time Periods: Current and archived content
- All Parties: Authors, readers, institutions, journals
- International Reach: Global application of policy
COPE Guidelines Compliance
IMJH strictly adheres to COPE guidelines for:
- Retraction guidelines
- Correction guidelines
- Expressions of concern
- Duplicate publication
- Data fabrication/falsification
- Plagiarism handling
- Authorship disputes
- Ethical violations
2. Types of Corrections
Minor Corrections (Erratum)
Corrections that do not affect the scientific interpretation, conclusions, or reliability of the article.
Major Corrections (Corrigendum)
Corrections that affect scientific interpretation, data accuracy, or article conclusions.
Correction Decision Matrix
| Error Type | Impact on Article | Action Required | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typographical | No impact on science | Erratum | Within 30 days |
| Author Information | No impact on science | Erratum | Within 30 days |
| Minor Data Error | Minimal impact | Corrigendum | Within 60 days |
| Methodology Error | Significant impact | Corrigendum | Within 90 days |
| Major Data Error | Fundamental impact | Retraction Consideration | Immediate review |
Correction Publication Format
Erratum Format
- Published as separate item
- Linked to original article
- Clear "Erratum" label
- Brief description of error
- Corrected information
- Cross-referenced in original
Corrigendum Format
- Published as separate item
- Linked to original article
- Clear "Corrigendum" label
- Detailed error description
- Corrected information
- Impact assessment
- Authors' statement
3. Correction Process & Timeline
Standardized Correction Procedure
IMJH follows a structured, transparent process for handling all correction requests to ensure consistency and fairness.
Identification
Error identified by any party
Notification
Editorial office notified
Investigation
Editorial review and assessment
Publication
Correction published
Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: Error identification and documentation
- Step 2: Initial assessment by editorial office
- Step 3: Notification to corresponding author
- Step 4: Author response and input
- Step 5: Editorial committee review
- Step 6: Decision on correction type
- Step 7: Preparation of correction notice
- Step 8: Publication and linking
- Step 9: Notification to indexing services
Timeline Commitments
- 24h Acknowledge receipt of concern
- 7d Preliminary assessment completed
- 14d Complete investigation
- 21d Decision communicated to authors
- 30d Correction published
- 45d Database notifications completed
Timelines may vary based on complexity and author responsiveness
4. Grounds for Article Retraction
Mandatory Retraction Grounds
Retraction is required when published articles contain clear evidence of serious scientific misconduct or fundamental errors that invalidate the findings.
Scientific Misconduct
- Data Fabrication: Making up research data
- Data Falsification: Manipulating research data
- Image Manipulation: Inappropriate image editing
- Plagiarism: ≥20% similarity (or ≥5% excluding references)
- Duplicate Publication: Previously published elsewhere
- Redundant Publication: Salami slicing of studies
Serious Errors
- Major Data Errors: Errors that invalidate conclusions
- Methodological Flaws: Fundamental design errors
- Statistical Errors: Errors changing conclusions
- Ethical Violations: Serious ethical breaches
- Unauthorized Use: Use of data without permission
- Legal Issues: Copyright infringement, libel
Retraction Decision Criteria
Evidence Requirements
Retraction decisions require clear evidence:
- Documented evidence of misconduct
- Institutional investigation reports
- Clear demonstration of error impact
- Expert assessment of seriousness
- Author admission or clear proof
Assessment Factors
- Severity of the issue
- Impact on article conclusions
- Intentional vs. unintentional error
- Author cooperation in investigation
- Potential harm to readers/patients
- Correction vs. retraction feasibility
5. Retraction Process & Procedures
Retraction Process Overview
- Retraction notices are published promptly and prominently
- The retracted article remains available with clear retraction watermark
- Retraction notices explain the reason for retraction
- All authors are informed and given opportunity to respond
- Indexing databases are notified of retraction
- The scholarly record is preserved while indicating invalidity
Retraction Procedures
| Stage | Actions Required | Responsible Parties | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation | Evidence gathering, author notification, preliminary assessment | Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Office | 14-30 days |
| Decision | Editorial committee review, author response consideration, final decision | Editorial Committee | 7-14 days |
| Notification | Notify authors, institutions, inform indexing services | Editorial Office | 3-5 days |
| Publication | Prepare retraction notice, update article, publish notice | Production Team | 7-10 days |
| Dissemination | Notify databases, update records, public announcement | Editorial Office | 14-21 days |
Retraction Notice Format Requirements
Required Elements
- Clear "Retraction" title
- Full citation of retracted article
- Date of retraction
- Statement of retraction reason
- Evidence summary (when appropriate)
- Names of retracting editors
- DOI for retraction notice
- Bidirectional linking to original
Notice Standards
- Published in same journal issue
- Listed in table of contents
- Available in all formats
- Indexed in databases
- Free access to all readers
- Permanent archival
Example Retraction Notice Template:
"Retraction: [Original Article Title]. This article is retracted from International Medical Journal of Health due to [concise reason for retraction]. The retraction is effective as of [date]. Readers are advised that the findings and conclusions of this article should not be relied upon. Signed: [Editor-in-Chief Name], Editor-in-Chief, on behalf of the Editorial Committee."
7. Reader Reporting of Concerns
Report Concerns
Readers can report suspected errors or misconduct via email or online form.
Whistleblower Protection
Reporters' identities protected unless required by law or with permission.
Feedback Acknowledgment
All reports acknowledged within 48 hours and investigated thoroughly.
How to Report Concerns
Required Information
- Full citation of concerned article
- Specific description of concern
- Evidence or examples
- Your contact information
- Any supporting documents
Reporting Methods
| Primary Email: | info@imjhealth.org |
| Secondary Email: | info.imjh@gmail.com |
| Subject Line: | "Concern: [Article DOI]" |
| Online Form: | imjhealth.org/report-concern |
| Response Time: | 48 hours acknowledgment |
Confidentiality Assurance
All reports are treated confidentially. Reporter identities are protected unless disclosure is required by law or explicitly permitted by the reporter. We investigate all concerns thoroughly and impartially.
View confidentiality policy →Reportable Concerns
Scientific Concerns
- Data inconsistencies or errors
- Methodological issues
- Statistical errors
- Interpretation problems
- Missing information
Ethical Concerns
- Plagiarism or text recycling
- Duplicate publication
- Authorship disputes
- Conflict of interest issues
- Ethical approval concerns
8. Post-Retraction Actions & Record Management
Scholarly Record Preservation
IMJH maintains the integrity of the scholarly record while clearly indicating retracted content to prevent continued citation of invalid research.
Article Status Updates
- Retraction Watermark: "RETRACTED" on all versions
- PDF Updates: Updated PDF with retraction notice
- HTML Updates: Clear retraction banner on HTML
- Metadata Updates: Article status in metadata
- Linking: Bidirectional links between article and retraction
- Access: Article remains accessible but marked
Database Notifications
- PubMed/MEDLINE: Retraction status update
- Crossref: Event data with retraction notice
- Google Scholar: Citation indexing update
- Web of Science: Citation database update
- Scopus: Abstract and indexing update
- Other Databases: Individual database notifications
Consequences for Authors
Publication Restrictions
- Temporary submission ban (1-3 years)
- Enhanced scrutiny of future submissions
- Requirement for data verification
- Mandatory ethics training completion
- Institutional notification requirements
Additional Actions
- Notification to authors' institutions
- Notification to funding agencies
- Notification to professional bodies
- Publication of notice in journal
- Possible legal action for fraud
9. Appeals Process for Retraction Decisions
Appeal Eligibility
Appeal Timeline
Appeal Procedure
Appeal Submission Requirements
- Written appeal letter
- Specific grounds for appeal
- New evidence (if applicable)
- Supporting documentation
- Author contact information
- All co-authors' agreement
Appeal Review Process
- Independent committee review
- No original decision-makers involved
- Consideration of all evidence
- Possible external expert consultation
- Written decision with rationale
- Final and binding decision
10. Contact Research Integrity Office
Research Integrity Office
Resources
Subject Line Format:
"Integrity Concern: [Article DOI or Title]"
For proper routing and tracking
Response Commitment:
48-hour acknowledgment, thorough investigation
All concerns taken seriously and investigated
Our Commitment to Research Integrity
IMJH is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity. We investigate all concerns thoroughly, follow established guidelines, and ensure transparent communication throughout the correction and retraction process. Our goal is to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record while correcting errors and addressing misconduct appropriately.
Report a Concern
Help maintain research integrity:
- ✓ Report suspected errors or misconduct
- ✓ Confidentiality guaranteed
- ✓ Thorough investigation of all reports
- ✓ COPE guidelines followed